Hobie Cat® Introduces the Hobie® Mirage® Pro Angler 12

Their Most Versatile Fishing Boat Ever

Oceanside, California, April 15, 2012 – Advancing its vision for new heights in fishing, Hobie unveils the lightweight and compact Mirage Pro Angler 12 that may be the most versatile fishing boat to ever come out of their Oceanside, California factory. Its target customer is anyone who wants to fish lakes, rivers or open ocean with no boundaries. At 120 pounds fully rigged, the 12 foot long, 36 inch wide hull sports a 500-pound weight capacity and delivers new levels of innovation packed full of must-have angler features. These include such things as the Hobie MirageDrive® pedal propulsion system, the all new Vantage Seating, “Lowrance® Ready” Fishfinder Installation System, Pivoting Tackle Management System and vertical/horizontal storage for six rods. MSRP: $2549. The Pro Angler 12 is proudly made in the U.S.A.

“Our team is made up of several extremely creative and experienced individuals who strive to put forth the best in fishing technology. After months of hard work and testing, it is our conclusion that the following features truly combine to make the perfect fishing kayak,” noted Morgan Promnitz, Hobie’s fishing product manager.

MirageDrive: The iconic feature on the Pro Angler 12 is Hobie’s patented MirageDrive pedal propulsion system. The self-centering padded pedals are connected to two underwater flippers, functioning much like penguin wings. Pedaling is done alternatively left and right, like walking, to drive the flippers. It is a quiet and efficient mode of propulsion that maximizes fishability.

Vantage Seating: The standard definition of Vantage is “an advantage in a competition; superiority; and a position, condition or opportunity that is likely to provide superiority.” The new Hobie Vantage seat fits all these descriptions. This deluxe chair is designed with Hobie’s new comfort-mesh for breathability and with fore/aft and five-inch up/down adjustment without getting out of the seat. Got lumbar support? The integrated Boa® System allows for ultimate lumbar support. Ready to stand up and fish? The seat will fold up out of the way. Ready for some beach time? The seat is easily removable for use on-shore.

Boa® Adjustment: A Boa system on the back of the seat provides one-handed dial, full range of adjustment, for lumbar support. It is quick and easy and once locked into place, stays that way.

Fishfinder Installation System: A Lowrance-Ready built-in transducer mount features pre-installed through-hull cable plugs. Fishfinders can be installed in minutes without gluing transducers or drilling holes in the kayak and they provide accurate readings from sonar or DSI (DownScan Imaging) – the latest technology in 3D imaging for fishfinders.

Pivoting Tackle Management System: The newly-designed large rectangular center hatch features a pivoting compartment that houses and includes two medium sized Plano® tackle boxes.

Port/Starboard Dual-steering: Steering is controlled via an oversized fingertip steering handle on the left side, making it easy to cast, hook and land fish while maneuvering to that secret spot. What if the preference is for right handed steering? No problem. Steering from both sides comes standard and the main handle can easily be moved from one side to the other, whatever the preference.

Rod Storage: Two vertical molded-in rod holders angled for trolling and four horizontal built-in rod holders with rod tip protection ensure the right equipment is always on-board for any species or waters.

As with all Hobie products, the features do not just end with the bigger and obvious ones. Keep checking. Front, rear and side handles make the boat easy to move or transport. Brass inserts are strategically placed for the optional anchor trolley kit. The removable front hatch liner is sized for the daily catch, drinks on ice or gear. Two replaceable mounting boards can handle a variety of electronics and rod holders. Anti-skid floor mats make it easy to stand up and fish. The boat even has a receptacle for an after-market accessories mount or sail and mast.

And the list goes on.

Like all Hobie boats, the Pro Angler 12 meets the National Marine Manufacturers Association certification requirements for flotation.

Since 1950, Hobie has been in the business of shaping a unique lifestyle based around fun, water and quality products. From their headquarters in Oceanside, California, Hobie Cat Company manufactures, distributes and markets an impressive collection of watercraft worldwide. These include an ever-expanding line of recreation and racing sailboats, pedal-driven and paddle sit-on-top recreation and fishing kayaks, inflatable kayaks and fishing boats, plus a complementary array of parts and accessories.